Canine Health and Welfare Established Investigator, First Award, Pilot Study, and Fellowship Training Awards
Supports innovative research to improve canine health and welfare, with special emphasis on studies using Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data, open to investigators at various career stages.
Funder: Morris Animal Foundation
Due Dates: April 1, 2026 (Pre-proposal deadline) | July 8, 2026 (Full proposal deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $145,000 for Fellowship Training (24 months); up to $120,000 for First Award (24 months); up to $20,000 for Pilot Study (12 months); Established Investigator awards average ~$100,000 (up to 36 months, no strict cap).
Summary: Supports hypothesis-driven research projects advancing canine health and welfare, including opportunities for established and early-career investigators, pilot studies, and fellowship trainees.
Key Information: Only one application per PI per cycle; use of Golden Retriever Lifetime Study data/samples is strongly encouraged or required for some awards.
Description
This grant program funds innovative, humane research projects designed to significantly advance the health and welfare of dogs. Supported by the Morris Animal Foundation, the program welcomes proposals from established investigators, early-career researchers (First Award), pilot study investigators, and fellowship trainees. Projects should address well-defined canine health needs, demonstrate scientific merit, and outline clear strategies for impactful outcomes. Special emphasis is placed on research utilizing data or samples from the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, particularly in areas such as cancer, aging, and longevity. Collaboration with key stakeholders and engagement beyond the scientific community are strongly encouraged.
